Breaking News: Increased Waiting Times for Children’s Mental Health Treatment
Over one-third of children are still waiting for mental health treatment in the UK. More than 60,000 children have been waiting over two years for help, an increase from over 44,000 the previous year.
In the 2024-25 period, fewer than one in five children with suspected autism or neurodevelopmental conditions received treatment. Those who did waited an average of one year for support.
Dame Rachel described the current situation as a “colossal challenge.” While some improvements have been noted, demand for services continues to exceed capacity and funding.
The charity YoungMinds expressed concern about additional barriers faced by black and racially minoritized children, as well as those referred for suspected autism. Statistics show that black and Asian children are underrepresented in referrals. When they are referred, they often present in severe distress.
One in four black children referred to mental health services were in crisis, compared to 16% of Asian children and 7.4% of white children. Children from the poorest 10% of areas in England made up 15% of referrals, while only 7.6% came from the least deprived areas.
For support details in the UK, visit the BBC Action Line.
